Group Lauds Maikyau Over Bar Ceremony Boycott
Foremost civic society organisation on anti-corruption and transparency in governance, Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre has commended the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, OON (SAN), for boycotting the recent Bar ceremony.
Maikyau boycotted the event over the refusal of the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), to recuse himself on moral and ethical grounds.
HEDA Resource Centre, in a letter signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, titled ‘Solidarity with the NBA on Boycott of the Call to Bar Ceremony’, described Maikyau’s action as standing for the truth and defending the professional integrity of the association.
According to them, the issue raises concerns over the legal profession’s gradual loss of respect and prestige for which it was renowned over the years.
“We cannot agree any less with you that the legal profession is gradually losing its respect and prestige earned over the years. Incidentally, respectable legal icons have worked and some are still working very hard to instil the ethical standards the profession is known for and it will be very unfortunate to lose all that pedigree and sacrifices on the altar of reckless misconduct and favouritism.
“It is noteworthy that the current stance of the NBA against the alleged immoral and unethical conduct associated with the firm of the chairman, Body of Benchers, goes with some backlash and criticism from so called high and mighty in the legal profession and the society,” the group said.
HEDA Resource Centre, however, encouraged the legal body and its president not to relent, but continue pushing to uphold the professional and ethical integrity of the profession.
The group also revealed its willingness to assist the NBA in whatever capacity, noting that the group recognises and holds unto the belief that until the legal profession is morally and ethically upright; rule of law, justice and fairness cannot be completely upheld.
Guardian
